How can you use Bonfires to defend your base during raids?

Using Bonfires to defend your base during raids in Valheim is a highly effective strategy that leverages fire damage and area denial mechanics. Bonfires are large, permanent fire sources that deal continuous damage to enemies within their radius. They are particularly useful against raids because they can weaken or kill weaker enemies like Greylings and Greydwarfs, while also slowing down and damaging stronger foes like Trolls or Fulings.\n\nTo craft a Bonfire, you need 5 Wood, 5 Resin, and 2 Surtling Cores. Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers in the Black Forest biome or by killing Surtlings in the Ashlands. Once crafted, Bonfires can be placed on the ground, but they require a flat surface and cannot be built on stone or other non-flammable materials. They also require a small amount of space around them to function properly.\n\nTo use Bonfires for base defense, strategically place them around the perimeter of your base, especially near choke points or entrances. For example, if your base is in the Meadows biome, position Bonfires near the edges of your walls or gates. This ensures that enemies are forced to walk through the fire as they approach, taking damage over time. Bonfires are particularly effective during nighttime raids when enemies are more aggressive and numerous.\n\nOne common challenge is managing the Bonfire''s fuel. Unlike smaller fires, Bonfires do not require constant refueling, but they do need to be lit manually if they go out. To avoid this, ensure your Bonfires are protected from rain by building roofs or overhangs. Additionally, consider pairing Bonfires with other defensive structures like spike walls or trenches to create layered defenses. For example, dig a trench around your base and place Bonfires just inside the trench to force enemies to take damage while trying to cross.\n\nBonfires are especially useful in the Black Forest biome, where Greydwarf raids are frequent. Place Bonfires near spawn points or along paths that Greydwarfs commonly use. This will thin out their numbers before they reach your walls. In the Plains biome, Bonfires can help deter Fulings, though they are less effective against larger enemies like Lox or Berserkers. In these cases, combine Bonfires with ballistae or other ranged defenses.\n\nAnother advanced tactic is to use Bonfires in combination with Workbenches or other player-built structures to manipulate enemy pathfinding. Enemies will often prioritize attacking structures over players, so placing Bonfires near Workbenches can funnel enemies into the fire. This is particularly effective during Troll raids, as Trolls will focus on destroying structures, giving you time to attack them while they take fire damage.\n\nFinally, remember that Bonfires can also be used offensively. If you''re raiding a Fuling village or a Draugr camp, place Bonfires near enemy spawn points to weaken them before engaging. This is especially useful in the Swamp biome, where Bonfires can help deal with Draugr and Skeletons while you focus on tougher enemies like Abominations.\n\nIn summary, Bonfires are a versatile and powerful tool for base defense in Valheim. By understanding their mechanics and strategically placing them, you can create a formidable defense against raids. Always consider the biome you''re in, the types of enemies you''re facing, and how to maximize the Bonfire''s area denial potential. With proper planning, Bonfires can turn the tide of even the most challenging raids.